Blog

It has been a hard few days coming to terms with losing my Masters title. I haven’t really wanted to talk about it too much, so I’ve just had a few quiet days at home.

But that’s not to say I’ve been beating myself up about it too much – after all, I think I gave a pretty reasonable effort in defending the title, especially when you consider it was only my second time there.

If I’d been offered that before the tournament started I’d have easily taken it, especially with such a high standard from all the players during the week.

From that respect, it was a tremendous tournament. Anyone watching on TV or at Wembley Arena were treated to some fantastic snooker.

And the final itself had everything – well, apart from me winning it! There were plenty of big breaks, there was some great safety play, and it was very, very tense.

As a player involved in the final, you don’t really get a true feeling for what you’re involved in at the time. All you’re doing is focusing on each frame at a time and doing your very best to win.

I’ve seen some of it on TV since Sunday, and I’m sure for the neutrals it was very enjoyable to watch. I shall look forward to going back next year, and trying to go on another long unbeaten run.

I was fractions away from retaining my title – there wasn’t much in it between Ronnie O’Sullivan and myself.

I wasn’t outplayed and I don’t feel that Ronnie won it, I had my opportunities but I just didn’t take them. But for a few missed balls in a couple of key frames, I could easily have been the champion again.

Anyway, there are plenty of positives for me to take out of it, and I’m already thinking about the next tournament, the Welsh Open.

I will go there as the defending champion, and I will be doing everything I can to hold on to this one as well.

My first match in Newport is on February 17, although I don’t know yet who my opponent will be.

When I won the title last year, it was my first ranking tournament success, so it brings back fond memories. And I beat Ronnie, coming back from 8-5 down to win 9-8.

In the Masters final, I felt Ronnie didn’t play some of the reckless, carefree snooker he sometimes does, he was really digging in because he really wanted to win the title, as we both were.

That shows he respects me as a player, and he sees me as a threat. People have said it was the two best players in the world out there – and that’s good for my confidence. I wonder if we’ll meet again in Wales?

I’m going to have a few days off and go somewhere sunny with Vikki, a break will do us good. And then it’s back to work on the practice table in preparation for Wales, and I’m looking forward to it.